1
Introduction to Thunder
This chapter provides an introduction to the Thunder system.
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Key Features and Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Introduction
Thunder is the newest generation high-volume audio/data/intercom transport link from
Grass Valley, a Belden Brand. Thunder transports up to 80 audio, intercom, or data paths,
configurable in 8-path groups (10 groups total), all on one or two strands of fiber, at the
lowest price and most compact size ever available.
Simply equip the compact 1RU frame with the appropriate Thunder Bolt I/O cards to create
a fiber optic link that can solve virtually any audio/intercom/data connectivity situation in
the teleproduction environment.
You buy only the components that you need. Individual analog and AES breakout panels as
well as data and intercom devices can be configured in any combination to create an audio
system that is perfectly suited to your particular application.
Whether you need a system that requires all 80 channels of audio, a mix of audio, data or
GPI channels, or even all data or GPI channels, Thunder provides maximum flexibility and
convenience.
Analog audio signals can even be converted to AES format, and vice versa, by just
configuring Thunder with an analog input or output Bolt card at one end of the system and
an AES I/O Bolt card at the other.
Up to ten internal Bolt I/O cards can be installed in a frame.
Six Bolt cards are available:
• Analog Audio Input (balanced); 8 channels
• Analog Audio Output (balanced); 8 channels
• AES Input; 4 channels (8 analog when decoded)
• AES Output; 4 channels (8 analog when decoded)
• Multiformat digital (RS-232/422/485); 4 channels, bidirectional
• GPI (general purpose, dry contact, SPST remote switch closures); 8 channels,
bidirectional
